Fishing groups receive boats

By EREBIRI ZURENUOC
THREE fishing groups in Morobe are recipients of the project development fund programme (PDF) from the National Fisheries Authority for 2019.
Representatives of the groups each received a 23-foot banana boat and a 40-horsepower motor last week.
Acting provincial programme adviser for Morobe Fisheries Management Authority, John Joseph, said proposals from a total 25 coastal fishermen and inland fish farmers were verified and initially sent for the programme.
“However, only three coastal fishermen were selected as recipients this year,” he said.
“They represent fishing groups from Nawaeb, Tewai-Siassi and Huon Gulf.
“The project development fund is an annual programme which helps a lot of fishermen and Morobe usually has the highest number of people benefitting.
“For Morobe alone, it is estimated that over 200 people taking part in fisheries activities benefited from the programme already.”
The PDF is for fisheries development within provinces.
It is for artisanal fishermen/women, fish farmers and cooperative societies who are engaging in fisheries development activities from around the country.
They can apply for funds to support their work.
Rex Kapio, representing the Ambinga Fishing Group, which is a member of the Sialum Fishing Cooperative Society, said the programme was very helpful especially to fishing communities.
Joseph urged the three fishing groups to be leaders in small-to-medium enterprises, and to supply fish to the reopened Lae Fish Market located inside the Lae Main Market.
“Make use of the opportunity that is available and supply to the fish market whenever possible,” he said.